Podcasting has become one of the most popular forms of media in recent years. With its low barrier to entry and potential for huge audiences, many individuals and businesses have turned to podcasting as a way to reach new audiences and generate revenue. In this article, we’ll look at real-world stories of successful podcasters and their revenue streams to help you understand just how podcasting can pay off.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience ($30 million per year)
The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the most popular podcasts in the world, with over 11 million listeners per episode. The podcast features long-form conversations between Joe Rogan and guests from a wide range of fields, including comedy, science, politics, and more. Joe Rogan has monetized the podcast by selling ads directly to advertisers and hosting live events. He also recently signed an exclusive deal with Spotify, reportedly worth $100 million, which will make the podcast available exclusively on the Spotify platform starting in September 2020.
2. Serial ($50,000 per episode)
Serial is a true-crime podcast that tells a single story over multiple episodes. It gained widespread popularity after its first season in 2014, which focused on the murder of a high school student. The podcast is hosted by Sarah Koenig and produced by This American Life. Serial has monetized through direct ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
3. The Tim Ferriss Show ($2 million per year)
The Tim Ferriss Show is a podcast hosted by bestselling author Tim Ferriss. In each episode, Tim interviews a high-performing guest from the worlds of business, sports, and entertainment to understand their habits, routines, and secrets to success. The podcast generates revenue through sponsorships and advertising. Tim also promotes his own products, including books and online courses, to his audience.
4. How I Built This ($13,000 – $50,000 per event)
How I Built This is a podcast hosted by Guy Raz that features interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. The podcast explores the stories behind some of the world’s most successful companies and how they got started. The show has successfully monetized through live events, where Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs in front of a live audience. How I Built This is also sponsored by companies like Stripe and Audible.
5. Radiolab ($1 million per year)
Radiolab is a podcast that explores science, philosophy, and human experience. The show is produced by WNYC Studios and hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich. Radiolab has monetized through direct ads, sponsorships, and live events. The show has also been adapted into a TV series on PBS.
These real-world examples show just how lucrative podcasting can be for those who have found success in this medium. As a podcaster, you can monetize your show through sponsorships, advertising, merchandise sales, and live events. Of course, building a successful podcast that generates revenue takes time, effort, and creativity. But with the right approach, podcasting can be a highly rewarding venture that pays off in many ways.